Region Advisor Biography

Al Tuten, DTM

Toastmasters offices held and terms of service (international, region and district level):

2015-2016 Region Advisor

2011-2012 District Governor

2010-2011 Lieutenant Governor Education and Training

Toastmasters honors and recognition:

2010-2011 Excellence in Education and Training

How does your experience relate to Toastmasters and the region advisor role:

My 16 years in Toastmasters, often in three to four clubs concurrently, has given me exposure to company and community clubs and the challenges faced by each. I have seen the transformative effects of passion; this Toastmasters formula works when we actually use it. Finally, I've been blessed and cursed with an analytical mind, which enables me to observe and assess in order to offer the best fit solutions.

What is your experience with coaching individuals and/or teams? What key strengths do you bring to the district leaders?

My home club has been a 10-goal club five years in a row, with every indication that this upcoming year will be our sixth. While one person does not a club make, the promotion of healthy habits has led to this result; these habits can be taught. Career-wise, I have led teams of offshore resources and have served as a team leader with other employers, mentoring teams of five to seven engineers at a time.

Why are you interested in serving as region advisor?

Don Bittick pierced my heart at the candidates showcase in Vancouver, when he said words to the effect that "if you’re the best available person for the job and don't apply, you're letting the organization down." Accordingly, I tendered my application to serve as a region advisor for a second non-consecutive term. I am honored and privileged to apply the valuable lessons I learned in my previous term as region advisor to support additional districts.